Makeup Rules (2011-2012):

... That your mother never told you about:

1. Clothing colors should NOT be in the same family color as your basic skin tone.

2. Makeup base should be no MORE THAN one shade lighter or darker than your skin color, nor be more than one shade warmer or cooler than your skin color.

3. Clothing colors AND "accessory makeup" like EYE SHADOW should be the exact opposite of your complexion undertone colors.

4. You DON'T want a sharp contrast between the skin on the face and neck... And that includes the front, sides and back of neck-- especially if you're wearing your hair up or partially "up", the ears and hairline. Apply makeup with smooth strokes downward on the neck and outward to lightly cover the ears and blend into the hairline.

5. If you're using a concealer to soften dark circles underneath the eyes, choose a color slightly lighter than your base foundation color. Apply concealer in sever small dots on the area that is dark, then blend carefully WITH the foundation to achieve a natural look.

6. Translucent mineral SPF or an oil control mineral powder is a good choice as a final step after mineral foundation to help "set" your makeup and make it last throughout the day. Use a CLEAN powder puff to press powder over the face, then use another puff or large powder brush to remove any excess powder.

7. There are many eye shadow color combinations that enhance the color of eyes. Remember this rule about color: Light colors advance facial features and dark colors recede facial features.

Note: My favorite color palette for eye shadow that never seems to "go out of style" and looks GREAT on everyone is:

* Light-gray on eye lids. 

* Line lower lashes with same light gray color. 

* Use a non-shimmer or shimmer brown color one to two shades darker than  natural skin color, apply to crease and just above crease. 

* Apply a light-cream-color or whitish color underneath the arch of brows, on the center of the eye lids and in the corners of the upper and lower lash line... Blend well.

* Optional: Line eyelids, making sure to get very close to the eyelash line with a deep gray pencil or black liquid liner for a "Kitten-Eye-Look".

Tip: The light cream or white color is attractive on most eyes except when space beneath the brow is quite prominent.

8. Eyebrows should be groomed to ENHANCE the facial structure. Whether the eyebrows are thin or full, they should be shaped in a natural arch and frame the face. BROWS SHOULD NEVER BE SO EXTREME IN SIZE OR SHAPE THAT THEY TAKE OVER THE ENTIRE LOOK OF YOUR FACE. While extreme brows may come in and out of fashion, natural eyebrows are always more pleasing in real-life.


9. Mascara colors are typically tones of black and brown. However, if you want to make the whites of your eyes appear whiter DO use mascara in blue and purple colors. 


10. Two shades of lipstick are often more attractive than one color. Try a soft pink, coral or mauve as a base color, then enhance your lips with an application of frosty gold or a color in the same "family" that is one to two shades lighter than the base lip color.


11. Two shades of cheek color are modern and attractive. Apply a flattering shade of blush on cheekbones where natural color appears when you exercise. Select a lighter color (with or without shimmer) and apply a little color on the area of your cheek in line with the center of your eye... But not too close to your nose. Blush may be used to warm-up the face by applying a touch to the chin, forehead, tips of ears and sides of nose.


Thanks for reading,


xoLK

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Oreganol P73: A Natural remedy (Essential Oil) for Acne and other Skin Issues...

Oreganol P73 know simply as "Oil of Oregano" is an essential oil with antibacterial and anti-fungal properties without all of the negative affects of prescription antibiotics. 

Oil of oregano is made from wild, mountain-grown, Mediterranean oregano, free of all chemicals and pesticides. The "tincture" can be taken orally or applied topically to the skin.

To learn more about some of the uses of Oil of Oregano go here and scroll all the way down to the bottom to see the different uses for skin.

Personally, I think it's a fabulous option for acne instead of taking oral or topical antibiotics. I'm not an expert on this essential oil and essential oils can be very, very potent so please call the company to find out more information on using this product for acne.

The company says oil of oregano can be used for the following skin conditions:

1. Toothaches / oral lesions.

2. Athlete's foot / ringworm.

3. Seborrhea.

4. Sunburn.

5. Rash or hives.

6. Skin health.

7. Warts.

For more detail on oil of oregano read Oregano FAQ. I just bought my bottle at Wholefoods and I'm excited to try it. 

Tip: You can save about $10+ if you buy it directly online from the link above.

Please let me know if you try this and if it works for you.

P.S. I heard it stings a bit going down when you take the drops orally, so do chase it down with a tall glass of spring water.

Thanks for reading,

xoLK

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How to Maximize the Skin Consultation Part of the Facial Treatment:

The skin consultation is an important and ongoing assessment that you and your skin care therapist will develop to keep track of all aspects of your skin care and skin treatments. The very first skin consultation is at the beginning of your first facial. 

Follow these tips to get the most benefit from your first skin consultation:

1.  You should bring a list of all skin care, makeup, medication, vitamin and mineral supplements. Include the name of the product as well as the name of the manufacture. 

2. Keep track of your eating and drinking habits for a few days to a week by keeping a food journal. Bring your food journal to the facial treatment.

3. If you can, it's best to arrive with skin unwashed, free of moisturizer and makeup.

4. It's important to share your age with your Esthetician in order to assess the true condition of your skin and the level of intrinsic (natural) aging.

5. Your work/play/exercise (lifestyle) routines can contribute to aging and skin conditions. Plan on discussing your lifestyle as it contributes to extrinsic (outside influences) and aging.

6. Any medical conditions and medications may also affect your skin. It's important to discuss heart problems, diabetes, circulatory conditions or any other medical condition or current medications that may affect the healing process such as immune disorders, etc.

7. Think about how you feel about your skin as well as your skin goals. It's important for your Esthetician to know exactly what you expect from your facial treatments. 

8. If you've had previous facial treatments, make sure to tell your skin therapist about what was addressed as well as what you liked or didn't like about past facials. (If your Ethetician is like me, it's important to know what you like so your facial experience is pleasant and surpasses your expectations).

Thanks for reading,

xoLK

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How to Adjust Your Skin Care Routine for Winter-Sensitive-Skin:

As many of you already know it's often necessary to tweak your skin care regimen based on the change in season, travel to different climates, medication, water intake, diet, stress, exercise, etc. 

Your skin, just like your body, is constantly changing depending on a number of internal and external factors.

Avoiding irritation and inflammation is often a high priority to many during the dry, cold and windy winter months. Irritation is not only annoying and uncomfortable but can also accelerate the aging process. 

It's important to realize the more irritation your skin experiences, the more your skin produces free radicals-- which age your skin.

When irritation is experienced over-and-over again without any relief from healing and skin protection products you might be aging your skin because of your skin care regime.

Note: It's very important to seek and follow professional advise when dealing with sensitivities in your skin. Healing ingredients like epidermal growth factor and colostrum are VERY important. Protection products like micronized zinc sun protection and antioxidants for the skin are equally important.

I know these products can be an added step and additional financial cost, but really.. they are so very important. *I always follow my #1 rule in skin care: You only have the skin your in, so treat it well and it will glow. (I know, it's kinda corny...but it is true).

Try these tips to minimize reactivity to skin care products during the winter:

1. If you experience burning, itching, flaking or redness discontinue product immediately. 

Note: 2-3 minutes of tingling (which is different than a burning-sensation), does not mean irritation. Your skin is accommodating to the treatment ingredient. This is a normal experience for some people when treatment products are first introduced to the skin.

2. If your skin feels unusually tight and dry a few minutes after cleansing and after towel-drying your skin you may need to change cleansers to a less harsh cleanser.. or try using a tad less of cleanser product.. you could even try adding spring water to your cleanser to "water-it-down".

Note: Sometimes changing to a less harsh cleanser helps alleviate any stinging you felt with a certain treatment-product ingredient.

3. Use a smaller amount of treatment product. The skin can only take-in so much product and over-doing it on product may be overwhelming for some skin types.

4. Sometimes you have to adjust, re-adjust, then adjust again until you find the right product frequency that works for your skin. As I mentioned before, your skin is constantly changing. Add in changing external factors and you've got an even greater chance that you may have to switch products up a bit. Some people get wonderful results using multiple treatment products twice a day, while others can only use products once a day.. or every other day. 

Note: There is no magic formula when it comes to skin care because of changing internal and external factors. Your skin care regime will be and should always be changing by adjusting products with the help and guidance of your input as well as your skin care therapist.

5. If the above tips don't work stop all active-treatment-products for three days to let your skin heal. Cleanse with spring water/filtered water, apply  healing and protecting creams only. After three days resume your skin care regime, take pictures of your skin and call your skin therapist for a consultation/healing facial treatment. 

Thanks for reading,

xoLK

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Here's the Deal with Light Skin Peels:

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Light skin peels are the least invasive and most cost effective way to keep skin healthy and clear. 


For most skin types they cause no redness, swelling or irritation. When applied to the skin, light skin peels may have a slight sting that dissipates quickly. The stinging sensation felt varies greatly among different skin types. 


Factors that can affect the "sting-factor" and outcome of a light peel include the following:


1. The state of your skin at the time of the peel.


2. Skin products used two weeks prior to the peel.


3. A host of other internal and external factors such as diet, sun and wind exposure, medications and hormones.


Some skins experience minor flaking and dryness a day or two after a light peel. 


People with extremely dry and/or sensitive skin or pustular acne might find light peels a bit more uncomfortable than people with oily or thick, sun-damaged skin... and dry skin-types can find that at first, light skin peels can make their skin even dryer. 


This is a normal skin response. In order to get rid of dryness you have to lightly peel away the dry skin to uncover more normal, balanced skin. This can be a frustrating process for some, as this procedure of peeling the skin takes time, patience and dedication to see results. Unfortunately, one peel is not going to totally change your skin. Home care is also a very important part of peeling and healing the skin.


The results of light peels are cumulative and AMAZING! Your skin will look better and better and stay looking healthy-- longer and over time as you continue light skin peel therapy.


Light Skin Peels are Typically Available in Three Strengths:


Home Peels:


These peels contain the lowest concentration of active ingredients as governed by law, so they are the mildest. 


Home peels are a good introduction to light peels for people who want to gauge how a peel product will affect their skin. They are also a good maintenance product to use in between Spa or medical peels.


Spa Peels:


These peels are usually a nonprescription concentration of acids and other skin peeling and lightening ingredients. They are much more potent than home peel solutions. For best results, spa peels should be performed once or twice a month. For more information on medium-depth, spa-type peels go here. 


Medical Peels:


These peels are prescription strength and can only be performed by a health care practitioner. They vary in strength and can burn-- a lot... as they are applied to the skin to create a "controlled" destruction of skin cells for the most dramatic skin regeneration. Down time (as in not being able to leave the house) can be excessive for most active people. Medical peels are very strong-- almost too strong, causing undue damage to the skin and may be overkill. Please talk to your doctor for more information on medical peels.


Thanks for reading, happy holidays and happy peeling to all,


xoLK

Simple Guidelines About Undertone Colors of Skin For Flattering Makeup Looks:

As the world becomes more connected because of advancements in travel and communication, the "fashionable" look in makeup has become more homogenized.


It's true that the "in" fashion and "trendy" makeup looks may change from season-to-season and year-to-year, but most women and girls of the world want to look equally beautiful, even somewhat alike, at least to the level of intensity, amount of color, placement and "style" of their makeup.


So many of us take pride in our heritage and our ancestry that we tend to refer to various complexion colors as having a certain nationality look. 


For instance, some refer to the "English-rose" complexion or the "Italian-olive" brunette. These suggestions can be used as a way of guiding the use of makeup color for the most flattering looks for every skin color and the underlying color in skin-- known as "undertones" in skin.


Tips for using undertones in skin color for the most flattering makeup look:


1. If the undertones in your skin are in the warm range of pink, red, orange or yellow these colors can be used as colors for base foundation color, blush and lip color.


Shades of green, blue and purple are compliment colors and will look attractive for eye makeup.


2. If the underlying skin color is in the cool range of green, blue or purple, neutral tones work best for foundation colors. Deep, natural shades with a tint of blue will work best for blush and lip color to help balance out the skin. 


Eye makeup in an intense color such as red-purple or red-orange will enhance an olive complexion.


Note: These are just general guidelines for using undertones in skin color to achieve the most flattering makeup look-- no matter what the current "in-makeup-look" is for the season.


I hope you try some of these tips and let me know what you think.


Thanks for reading,


xoLK


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The Truth About Using Hot Water (Steaming the Face) and Cold Water Cleansing:

I know you've all heard a little rumor that's been going on for a while now about hot water (and/or steam) being able to open up pores... and cold water being able to close pores. 

Well, it's just not true. Pores don't open and close. 

Water temperature and steam do effect the skin and can help play a vital role in the skin's function. 

Here's the scoop on how hot and cold water affect the skin:

~ Hot water (and steaming the skin) help to bring blood flow to the skin's surface. It can help draw toxins and debris (such as puss in pustular acne) out of the skin.

~ Cold water (as in cold water rinsing of the skin) can help bring the blood flow back to the body. It can give slight relief to swollen areas of the skin.

I hope this explanation helps.

Thanks for reading,

xoLK

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Celebrate Hanukkah with a Dash of Sparkle on Your Finger Nails:

Happy Hanukkah!

'Tis the season for the festival of lights... and I've got two creative ways to use Fairy Dust and Loose Mineral Eye Shadow on your nails.

The white nail-look is called *Snow-Nails*. To get this look, follow these steps:

1. Paint one coat of Deborah Lippmann Nail Lacquer in Stardust. Go here to purchase/view color.

2. Next, use a cutical pusher to scoop out Franché Gems in Sheer Veil of Snow. 

3. Apply the loose eye shadow minerals to wet nails. 

4. Use the cutical pusher to tap the sides of your finger to "slide" the powder to cover the entire nail. 

5. You will have to scoop out a generous amount of powder to cover each nail. (I recommend doing one nail at a time. First paint one nail, then cover with eye shadow. Then move on to the next nail).

Tip: Apply polish and powder to one hand at a time. Let nails completely dry on one hand before moving on to the other hand. When nails are dry, wash your hands to get rid of any powder on fingers and hand.

P.S...I painted the snow-nails in a bit of a hurry and will touch up the cutical area with a nail polish corrector pen and my favorite top coat by Seche Vite.

The Blue nail-look is a lot easier and quicker to achieve. Follow these steps to get this festive look:

1. Polish nails with OPI - Dating a Royal.

2. While nails are still wet, use your fingers to pick up and sprinkle fairy dust over nails. 

3. To get this look I poured-out some fairy dust on a small plate and sprinkled the glitter on my nails while holding my hand over the plate. The nice thing about using fairy dust over your nails is that you can control the amount of sparkle by the amount of glitter you sprinkle over your nails.

4. Finish with a top coat. 

5. Your fingers will glisten as you light the candles on the Hanukkah Menorah.

Shalom and thanks for reading,

xoLK

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Step-By-Step Guide on How to Bring the "Day-Spa" Experience Home:

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The 1st thing you want to do prior to giving yourself an at-home-facial-treatment is protect your hair and get it off your face... 

But, let's back up a  bit because I'm going to give you some new ideas on how to give yourself a total day of pampering in the comfort of your own home.

Step #1:

Start your home spa experience with a nice shower using your favorite body wash. I really like Gelle Cleanser by Epicuren Discovery. It's an anti-bacterial cleanser that can be used on your face and body. Check it out here. 

This is a great opportunity to deep-condition your hair. I have not tried this hair restore mask by Living proof, but it looks awesome (a great holiday gift idea at $42 for 8 oz.). 

Info. on Restore Mask:

Step #2:

After your face and body are cleansed and deep conditioner is coated on your hair, cover your hair with a shower cap which doubles as a way to keep your hair off your face while sealing the conditioner on your hair.

Step #3:

Give your face a second cleanse using a skin scrub. My pick would be Epicuren Discovery's Micro-Derm Exfoliating Cream. It's good for all skin types and you can control the intensity of the scrub and customize it for your skin type. 

If you've got thick, sun-damaged or resilient skin you can use it on barely damp skin. If your skin is highly sensitive you can mix it with your favorite cleanser. 

*Note: Skip this step if you've got a lot of acne or open acne pustules.  

Step #4:

Next up is exfoliation to get rid of extra dead cell build-up and get that glow on.

I like Epicuren Discovery's liquid glycolic exfoliant. It comes in two different strengths; 5% and 10%. Start with the 5% first, then after some time you can build up to 0% glycolic. 

*Note: If your skin is super-reactive or sensitive, after you apply the 5% glycolic rinse your skin with spring water or club soda.

**Tip: To use; pump the liquid into the palm of your hand, then pick up product with fingers and apply to your face. Massage the product lightly into your skin until product is absorbed into your skin. There is no need to use a cotton ball, gauze pad or cloth as doing so will only waste product and be absorbed by the cotton applicator. 

Step #5: 

Mask time! 

This is where things get interesting... For the mask step you're going to need two other items in addition to a good hydrating mask. 

Apply Environ's Hydrating Exfoliant Masque all over face and neck. 

Next, prepare these two items which will go on top of the hydrating mask:

1. Saran Wrap - Pull out several pieces of saran wrap that are about one or two foot in diameter. Lay them out on a clean, flat surface. 

After the mask is applied you will be covering your face with the saran wrap. Leave your mouth, nose and eyes uncovered. 

2. A baby diaper or soft bath towel - Submerge the soft cloth in a microwave safe bowl filled with spring water. Microwave the cloth in water for about a minute then pick up the cloth to test the temperature. 

Most likely you will have to turn the cloth inside out and re-submerge the cloth in the same water and continue warming towel. Keep testing the temperature while the mask is on your face. 

You want the cloth hot, but it will cool off a bit while you are putting the saran wrap on your face.

Apply the warm, (not hot) cloth over your face. To do this, lay down somewhere comfortable. Have the bowl with the cloth close to you. Pick up the towel and squeeze out any extra water.

Pick up the cloth and place the middle part of it on your chin and neck. Bring the sides of the cloth up, toward your forehead to wrap your face snuggle with the towel.

Relax with the mask, saran wrap and cloth until the cloth is cool or for about 15 minutes.

Remove the towel and saran wrap. Rinse off the mask with 4 x 4 cotton wipes. Rinse the hair mask out of your hair. 

Final step: Apply your normal skin care products; moisturizer, eye cream and lip balm.

Thanks for reading,

xoLK

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The Super-Natural Girl's Guide to Makeup:

Today I was feeling like I just wanted a "touch" of makeup. I wanted to look *put-together* without a lot of fuss.. And I wanted to do it quick. 

Here's what I did:

Step #1: 

After I applied a little bit of mineral powder base to my face, I used a q-tip   and dipped it in a bright pink blush and applied it to my lips as a lip stain.

Step #2:

Next, I used the other side of the q-tip, dipped it in the pink blush and applied it very lightly on my cheeks, using circular motions. I used my fingers to soften the intensity of the color to get that healthy-glow-look.

Step #3: 

I used a wet q-tip and dipped it into a very dark black/gray eye shadow and applied the color to my eyelashes. Yes, my eyelashes! I used a back and forth motion with the q-tip, starting at the base of the lashes and working my way to the tips of the lashes. It took about five coats, quickly applied, to get a soft, but defined, natural-lash-look.

Then I used the other side of the same q-tip used for my eyelashes to line my upper eyelid with a medium-dark shimmer gray eye shadow.

Step #4:


I finished the look with a coat of pro salve on my lips to give my lips instant hydration and a soft-gloss-look.


This makeup look took me about 3 minutes to apply. 


Do try this makeup technique and let me know what you think.


Thanks for reading, 


xoLK


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Tips for Hair Color and Makeup Harmony:

It's important to harmonize makeup with your hair color because hair provides the frame and accent for your face.


Try these tips for selecting flattering makeup colors for various hair colors:


Red Hair:


* Using brownish-orange lip colors with orange-toned cheek color bring out a natural peaches-and-cream glow to the skin. 


* Use an auburn eyebrow pencil to fill in and define eyebrows. 


* Eye shadow and liner colors that work best are all shades and tones of green, golden hues, and sheer light purple or lilac. 


* Brown-black mascara adds a soft and natural definition to eyes. 


* For high drama, try the winged liner look using liquid or pencil liner in black.


Golden Blond Hair:


* To highlight a natural pinkish tone in skin use rose lip and cheek color. 


* Use eye liner colors in brown-black.


* Eye shadow colors that compliment golden blond hair are colors such as gray, charcoal, soft turquoise and most all shades of blue and green.


* Use brown-black or black mascara.


* For evening, try a smoky eye in blue-silver or shimmery brown.


Ash Blond Hair:


* Use all shades of coral for lip and cheek color to play up natural beige or light tan color in skin.


* Use a gray-brown eyebrow pencil or shadow to give definition to brows.


* All shades of brown and neutral colors are nice for eye shadow and eye liner.


* Use brown or brown-black mascara.


* For evening, add a bit of black mascara to the tips of lashes after applying the brown or brown-black mascara. 


Brunette Hair:


* For fair and medium skin tones use blue-toned reds for lip and cheek color.


* Use a medium brown eyebrow pencil and/or eyebrow powder to intensify the look of your brows and add drama to your eyes.


* Experiment with different eye liner and eye shadow colors as most all colors will work well.


* Use dark gray and black liner. 


* Always wear black mascara on eyelashes.


* Use liquid liner for a winged tip look as well as dark and smoky eye shadow.


Black-Brunette Hair:


* Use a clear red color for lips and cheeks to enhance the natural suntan color of skin.


* Dark brown eyebrow color will work best.


* For eye shadow and eye liner experiment with a variety of jewel tone colors.


* Black mascara for day and night.


Gray Hair: 


* Avoid brown-toned foundations. 


* Use rosy tints, medium clear reds and rose tones for cheeks and lips.


* Charcoal pencil is best for brows.


* Try gray-neutral colors for eye liner and shadow.


* Use a charcoal or brown-black mascara.


White Hair:


* Usually a slightly golden base foundation color works well.


* Use blue-pink (fuschia) for lip and cheek color.


* Silver-gray works good for eyebrow color.


* Use pastel eye shadow colors and navy or dark brown eye liner.


* Dark brown, navy blue or brown-black mascara can be used.


Thanks for reading,


xoLK


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Ever wonder how skin gets its color? Read on to find out + Tips:

Skin contains 4 types of pigment:


1. Melanin - The dark pigment that causes skin to become darker as it tans. 


TIP: To keep skin as light as possible, protect your skin from heat and sun exposure by always using sun protection on exposed areas of skin. Utilize large hats and sunglasses. Wear scarfs and gloves to protect the delicate skin of your neck and hands.


2. Oxygenated hemoglobin - The pigment that gives red blood cells their color when oxygenated (combined with oxygen) to produce a healthy skin color.


TIP: Moderate exercise can help stimulate oxygen in the skin. 


TIP: A warm bath with 35% food-grade hydrogen peroxide can increase oxygen at the cellular level. (Don't take this type of bath at bedtime because it may cause you difficulty getting to sleep and increase your sense of alertness).


*Please get clearance from your doctor prior to starting any exercise program or doing a bath with hydrogen peroxide.


3. Reduced hemoglobin - Produces skin of a pale, bluish color when lacking oxygen.


TIP: Try to avoid exposure to chemicals, drugs, intense cold and other factors that cause the skin to change color. For example, anything that produces dilation of blood vessels will cause the skin to appear redder.


4. Carotens - Pigments that give yellow or orange tone to the skin. 


TIP: A yellow or orange cast to the skin can be caused by eating too many foods that are yellow or orange-- such as oranges and carrots.


TIP: Don't believe the silly rumor going around that eating carrots will give your skin a healthy tanned-skin appearance. Not true!! Orange skin is not attractive. In fact, when some people eat an over-abundance of orange food it will stain just the palms of the hands (or in the case of some infants; just the nose). 


Thanks for reading,


xoLK


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Skin Tip Tuesday: There's much to do about dark circles...

Discoloration under the eyes, often called "dark circles" can happen as a result of many different factors. It's important to determine the cause of your dark circles in order to treat properly.


Most often dark circles under the eyes is a result of hyperpigmentation from years of sun exposure/damage, hormonal fluctuations (think birth control, menopause, adrenal stress issues, thyroid imbalances, etc.) or just plain old genetics.


Sometimes dark circles can be caused by lifestyle activities like smoking, drinking excessive caffeine, alcohol abuse, not enough quality REM sleep, allergies and sinus conditions.


Another major culprit of dark circles is the aging process. As we age our skin thins. The skin around the eyes is thin to begin with so when you add in aging, especially if you have fair skin (really noticeable in the winter time as tanned skin fades to normal color), the under eye area will show a cast of darker color due to veins and arteries being more visible with thin skin. 

*It is important to check with your doctor to determine the exact cause of dark circles. The following tips are based on my 8+ years of industry experience. I am not a doctor, please don't take my tips as medical advise.

TIPS:

1. If you have a healthy lifestyle and are under 35 years old your dark circles are most likely from pigmentation, sun damage, hormonal issues or genetics. 


Use skin care products containing Retinol, Vitamin C, Kojic Acid, multiple antioxidants and most importantly, please wear zinc sun protection on a daily basis.


2. If you're experiencing thinning skin (which, by the way, can be a caused by hormones), or indulge in caffeine, alcohol, etc., then use products with Vitamin K and peptides as well as the ingredients mentioned in #1. (Vitamin A and C help thicken the skin). 


3. Concealer is a great quick-fix, but obviously it won't help remedy dark circles. I've found the best way to conceal darkness around the eyes is to use a cream concealer in a slightly dewy consistency and golden in color. Apply using a very small, pointed and flat synthetic eye makeup brush using light tapping motions. Most people can benefit from applying concealer on top of eye cream. 


Thanks for reading,


xoLK


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Holiday Bikini/Brazilian Wax Idea:

TIP: For the holiday (to show your love) instead of doing your regular bikini or Brazilian wax ask your wax expert to design a heart shape with your hair down there!

Here are a few of my favorite waxing tips:


1. For your very 1st wax let your hair grow out completely. This normally takes 3-4 weeks of no shaving, tweezing or waxing down there. Hair grows in 3 different cycles and it takes at least 3-4 weeks for the hair to all grow out.


2. Take Advil 1 hour prior to your wax appointment.


3. Take a hot shower or exercise 30 minutes prior to wax appointment.


4. Trim curly or long hair at home in shower or tub with hair trimmers or scissors prior to wax appointment.


5. Realize there will be some discomfort, but try not to let fear get the best of you. Many clients tell me they thought the service would be much worse than it actually was. Relaxation is key.




Thanks for reading,


xoLK


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Two easy DIY Skin Journal Tips and Techniques:

Keeping a daily skin journal can be a useful guide to track your skin changes, improvements, and challenges as well as help you learn what is working for your skin and what is not working.  




There are many ways to skin journal. Here are some of my favorite ways to keep track of your skin issues/skin product and facial/peel reactions and progress:


1.  Video or photo skin journal:


If you have a video recorder, video on your phone or computer or a good camera, you can take daily, short videos/photos of yourself. This is a great way to capture your skin on a daily basis (in natural lighting). It's an especially good technique to use if you're not into writing or typing. Video journaling gives you the added benefit of a visual diary of your skin progress.


TIPS: Talk about how your skin feels/looks and describe your skin care routine. Describe how you feel your skin routine makes your skin look and feel.  Discuss your sleep pattern for the day, exercise routine, water and food intake (notice if dairy or foods laced with hormones affect your skin, etc.). Note how changes in lifestyle affect your skin. Describe any supplements using. Talk about daily stress. Talk about facial treatments, skin peels, face waxing. You can really talk about whatever you like! 


2. Face diagram skin journal:


Use a diagram like the one pictured above. Make copies of the diagram and utilize a spiral notebook. Staple the diagram to the left side page of the spiral notebook. Use a colored marker or pen and draw on the diagram, noting areas of your face that have pimples, dryness, lines and wrinkles, pigmentation spots or redness. 


On the right side of the spiral notebook page write down the items listed in "Tips" under #1. 


You can also use a spreadsheet to track things that affect your skin, products used with benefits or unexpected complications, track results of facials, peels and waxing. 


If you use a spreadsheet, it is still beneficial for most people to use the diagram journal to note exactly where changes on your skin is happening on a daily basis. It's a quick, simple, yet very effective tool in understanding your own skin.


Bring in your facial journal with notes on your next facial visit. This will give you and your facial therapist a good guide to see what works for your skin.


Thanks for reading, 


xoLK


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